Ouroboros Spine Heal what has been hurt

@Rodyn—Danni, I’m going to edit my first post with Alaric to reflect meeting with Rodyn first! It would make more sense for Solenya to come upon Moonglow, then Moonspear because of distance from the Sentinels. Sorry for the thought dump lol

Something pushed her to explore, away from the protection of the giant guardians of her home. Restlessness? Loneliness? Curiosity? All three and, most likely, other things that she didn’t quite feel like lingering on too long. 

There was a coiling low in her belly, a quiet want building there. It was irritating and frustrating; she was glad to come upon scents of others—more specifically of pack—so that she might think of something else than that awful feeling of want. 

Tamping it down the best she could, she crossed heavily scented borders; lifting her nose to howl, notifying whoever close enough to hear of her presence.

No worries

Rodyn was moving slowly along the borders. He was first surprised and then irritated when a she wolf brazenly crossed borders. A soft growl hitched his throat but he approached calmly.

You know you just crossed into our lands. Care to tell me why?


His voice was a little harder than usual. His gaze stayed kind, but there was a firmness to his jaw and rigidity to his back as he waited for her answer.

Solenya jumped at the growl. 

Her verdant eyes landed on a large, earth-toned male as he spoke. She assessed him, taking in his size, his demeanor, and those gilded eyes that regarded her in return.

Dipping her head, she responded, I apologize for overstepping, I meant no disrespect. I only wanted to say hello and, hopefully, get to know the packs closest to my home in the sentinels. 

She offered him a small smile as she returned to full height, her tail waving softly. A few paw steps taken back over the borders would hopefully ease the man’s mind.

I am Solenya. she said as she moved, placing her rump down once more on neutral ground.

His body eased into a more neutral stance. The ridged look along his jaw softened as she moved. He was not an unmannered swine. And he certainly didn't want to cause upset. But borders were built for reasons.

A nod at her apology. A shift in his step. His tail hanging loosely, he weaved it once.

I'm Rodyn Ardeth of Moonglow.

Her ears flicked once, a slight tilt to her head, and her features brightened. 

Rodyn Ardeth, a pleasure to meet you. 

She scanned the surrounding area, taking in what Rodyn called Moonglow. Walls of rock rose high above her with tips of conifer trees peeking over the edges. 

Moonglow is well guarded, it seems, by both men and nature. A beautiful place must be nestled within its walls. Minor flattery, but she meant it.

[

Rodyn dipped his head. Pleasure's all mine. A small smile, that colored his eyes. Crinkled at the corner.

It is. And there is much beauty to be found in it's walls.

He shifted and settled to his haunches. What brings you this way? He was not adverse to a conversation. And he thought maybe it could help with some of the grief. There was much to be found in the wake of tragedy. Something he knew all too well.

I have no doubt about that. Maybe, in time when things have settled down in my life, I could see it for myself. Though she wanted nothing more than to fraternize with more of Rodyn’s pack and gaze upon this claim of beauty, there was much to be done and not enough time. 

Well, not really—it was her own urgency to settle into the Sentinels that created this need to rush. And when Rodyn inquired about her being here, settling himself down, she felt her body vibrate—almost impatiently.

But, she didn’t want to be rude and he was being an absolute gentleman, so she remained in place, her mouth parting to answer. I come from a forested area on the coast, west of here. Myself and another have started our claim in that area, and while my companion is finishing up some duties, I figured I’d come out this way to meet our neighbors.

We are looking for allies and possible trade routes.

Though Rodyn wanted a conversation it seemed perhaps this she wolf did not.

A tilt of his ear as she spoke. He listened as he always did with utmost attention. Taking what she said and combing through it.

Trade you say. I am a trader by design. I have built many trade routes. As a matter of fact. For the past two years we have traded and put together multioack hunts to help make more allies and trade.

His words were met with a nod and a smile, the prospect of trade routes and mingling with other packs was very exciting.

Rodyn, that’s wonderful. If you have something planned like that in the near future, please send us word! I may not be able to bring many bodies, not for some time at the very least, but I will bring who I can and we will absolutely do our best to pull our weight. Her tail waved behind her excitedly.

Her eyes roamed over the male as she regarded him, his eyes pulling her in. She found herself pulling in two directions: home called for her, but Rodyn called as well, even if he that was not his intention. The willowed woman wanted to know more, to see more of this place. Maybe more of him. 

Damn the curse she and all females were cursed to endure.

A small nod. Usually fall. I try sometimes to do something in the summer, but our pack is currently grieving so it seems a bit too soon. But you will definitely see me later in the summer trading and giving invites.

She studied him, but it was not an uncomfortable study. She was a sweet she wolf. Seemed kind. But Rodyn had been hurt and them burned and he was wary. And he was not a leave it kind of man.

And it does not matter size of packs that come. It is a time of fellowship no matter how large or small.

Oh, I am so sorry. I—I did not know. My condolences to you and yours, Rodyn. Solenya dipped her head, her features falling. She knew grief well, intimately even, the pain of her own losses still clinging to her in memories and whispers; the loss of her entire family stung and the aftermath was nothing but loneliness left in its wake.

She wanted to reach out to him—to comfort, nothing more. It was just her way, but she refrained. It would not do well to push further into what already pushed within her. Luckily, this was only the beginning, and she would return to the Sentinels to bear the rest alone. It was all well and good. If she were to delve into anything remotely close to what her body’s instincts will call her to do soon, it was not a leave it kind of thing.

The corners of her lips lifted gently, an idea forming. She might put it into motion when she returned home. 

To Rodyn once more, her words remained soft. I would like that. It is just two of us at the moment, my Kirain and I. The sentinels are quiet, and it would be nice to…be with others. Make…friends. Even for a little while. A shoulder lifted gently, a simple shake of her head. Anyway, I-I shouldn’t keep you any longer.

Rodyn shook his head. A small sad, but sweet smile. No problem. How could I expect you to know? We will heal.

He knew you could never fully heal grief but you could move forward a bit. To this day he missed Samani sometimes like a physical ache.

Rodyn looked around. I should be starting to travel in a few days or a week. I will see you then with an actual invite and place of purpose. You have safe travels.

That smile of his made her stomach flip and she knew she needed to move on quickly. He seemed sweet—he really did—and even though primal instincts begged her to stay, she stood to stand and turned from him, her tail a gentle, low waving flag. 

She sent him a sort of wistful smile over her shoulder, verdant eyes glinting in the sun. I do hope to see you, soon, Rodyn. When you do come, seek out the lupine flowers and you will find me. Until then. 

And she left, one last glance to him just before she would disappear out of view.